Christmas in the Coromandel
Famous for the bright red flowers of its Pohutukawa trees, stunning sandy beaches and forest-clad ranges, the Coromandel Peninusla has long been a favourite spot for Kiwis on holiday. With Christmas just around the corner, we’ve put together a few sightseeing ideas to help you plan your Christmas break.
Within a two-hour drive of both
Auckland and
Hamilton, beautiful Coromandel Peninsula offers a host of activities, festivals and attractions to keep the whole family occupied this summer. You’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy the rugged scenery, from heli-flights and hiking to diving and snorkelling. Tour the sights on the back of a Harley, saddle up for a trail ride through the rugged mountain scenery, ride through the native bush on New Zealand’s only narrow-gauge railway or relax aboard a scenic boat cruise to stunning Cathedral Cove (Te Whanganui-A-Hei).
By Rail
Take in the beauty of the native bush as this popular train travels through spirals and tunnels up to a mountain-top terminus with fantastic views of the Hauraki Gulf. Located 3km from
Coromandel town on the Kennedy Bay Road.
By Horseback
Enjoy the native bush and great seaviews on a guided horse trek into the Coromandel Ranges following original packhorse trails from the 1800s. Rangihau Road, Coroglen.
By BoatExplore the protected waters and marinelife of Te Whanganui-A-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve, and visit Cathedral Cove, Orua Cave and Champagne Rock and more.
By HelicopterExperience a bird’s-eye view of the Coromandel’s rugged ranges and beaches on a heli-tour or scenic flight.
By Harley
Take in the sights and sounds of the Coromandel region from a Harley motorbike. Located in
Thames.
Underwater Head out to the Aldermen Islands for a spot of fishing or diving, or dive and snorkel around the waters of Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach.
Summer Fun
Pohutukawa Festival
23 November – 09 December 2007
The Coromandel launches into summer with over 50 events timed to coincide with the flowering of the region’s beautiful Pohutukawa trees. A chance to hear bands such as Rhombus and The Aviators, and to sample great Coromandel food and wine, plus art exhibitions, cafe crawls, and the Red Hot Opening Night with music from Chris Bailey Band.
Concert in the Orchard January 26th 2008
Enjoy a stunning setting and swinging sounds. Set on a natural ampitheatre near Pauanui this event features three hours of music from The Shy & Retiring Company, with Soulsax and other top stars plus Bill Kneebone and Terry Bright's band. Featuring top NZ artists Denise Norton and Jason Slade. All proceeds go to the Hikuai school.
From 5–8.30pm, 408 Settlement Road, Hikuai.
Coromandel Dive Festival
A celebration of scubadiving on the Coronmandel, based at Tairua and Hahei, featuring guest speakers, world-class dives in the Hahei Marine Reserve and Alderman Islands, underwater treasure hunts and nightly dinner functions.
Tairua Wine & Food Festival
05 January 2008
A huge celebration of food, wine, arts and crafts, the festival is a ritual among holidaymakers in the Tairua and Pauanui area. Over 10,000 people flock to enjoy a huge array of wild food stalls, wine, beer, entertainment and arts and crafts. The event raises money towards facilities at the local school.
Free Coromandel GuideOrder your free
Jasons Coromandel RoutePlanner now.
Check outThe official Tourism Coromandel Website with visitor information, attractions, and an annual events calendar.